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About the Ocean Institute

The Ocean Institute is nationally known for its award winning, hands-on marine science, environmental education and maritime history programs. Students, families and the general public become tall ship sailors, research scientists, oceanographers, and explorers while immersed in Ocean Institute programs.

The Institute grew steadily from inception to the point that the facilities were at 100% capacity. In 1999, the Board of Directors voted to expand, and initiated a capital fundraising campaign for the design and construction of new facilities. Construction of the six building, 33,800 sq. ft. campus began in early 2001. It took 18 months to build at a cost of $16.5 million, all generously donated by numerous friends from throughout the country. The capstone occasion came in October 2002 when the new Ocean Education Center opened for the people of Southern California and beyond.

Student and Teacher Services Building – the administrative center also houses the entry to Headlands and Beyond: A hands on exploration center that is now open to the public on weekdays and weekends! Spot live animals in our kelp forest, operate touchscreen technology to delve into the deep ocean, engage in experiments, and investigate our tide pool play scape.

Maritime Center – a hands-on teaching facility built for exploration of maritime history.

R/V Sea Explorer – a 65-ft. marine science research vessel with state-of-the-art oceanography equipment where students become oceanographers for a day.

Spirit of Dana Point - a 118-ft. topsail schooner used for living history and at-sea maritime adventures.

Pilgrim – a 130-ft. historic tall ship made famous by Richard Henry Dana in his book Two Years Before The Mast. Students live as sailors in the 1830s during dockside programs that bring history to life.

Lazy-W Ranch – a residential camp in the Cleveland National Forest, where students spend their days and nights experiencing California history or investigating different ecosystems.

Ocean in Motion van – a mobile laboratory for outreach to special needs and underserved students.

Marine Life Conservation Area - a natural intertidal ecosystem of eight acres adjacent to our site.

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